Writing for Generations Today, ILSR’s Sean Gonsalves dives into the surge in telehealth and the untapped potential it has to significantly reduce health care costs and improve health outcomes – but only if everyone has access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet service. In it, he writes:
“With the future of Affordable Care Act subsidies in doubt and skyrocketing healthcare costs burdening millions of American households, one powerful tool of modern medicine and technology is not being talked about enough: telehealth.
Harnessing the wonders of modern telecommunication technologies, we can now deliver healthcare services at a distance—virtual video visits with healthcare providers, remote monitoring of chronic health conditions, accessing online health information, plus the secure transmission of electronic health records.
Since the pandemic lockdowns, telehealth use has surged, bringing with it a growing chorus of patient success stories.
For George Hoffmann and his wife, who live in Silver Springs, Md., telehealth has been “a game changer.”
“I am not blind, but my vision has not been the same since my stroke and has prevented me from driving for five years,” he explained. “Before telehealth, I needed to rely on my wife, public transportation or community ride services to get to and from routine health appointments. I’d say I used to miss more than 30% of my appointments for various reasons outside my control, causing frustration and unnecessary fees, but that’s not the case any longer. Telehealth has saved me time, money and endless frustration trying to coordinate rides to and from routine appointments.”
Hoffman’s experience is one of many being collected by Telehealth Access for America (TAFA), a public education campaign supported by a consortium of healthcare providers, medical associations and organizations like AARP.
“I have MS and lupus and experience a lot of issues with my legs, so getting around can sometimes be difficult. But because of telehealth, I’m still able to access the care I need from my home,” New Jersey resident Letita told TAFA.
Stories like these can be found from coast to coast and point to a promise that is nowhere close to reaching its full potential, as the benefits of telehealth go far beyond anecdotal evidence.
The promise: studies have shown telehealth can significantly reduce healthcare costs, potentially shaving tens of billions of dollars off the nation’s healthcare bill—all while improving health outcomes.
The problem: it hinges on universal access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service, which tens of millions of Americans currently lack…”
Read the rest of the story on the inextricable link between telehealth and Internet access here.
Bridging that digital divide isn’t optional—it’s essential. Ensuring universal affordable connectivity and digital literacy isn’t just about technology; it’s about giving every American the chance to see a doctor, manage their health, save money, and improve their quality of life.
Ironically, we may be on a path to save billions of dollars from cancelling the Digital Equity Act and infrastructure investments, to then lose tens of billions of dollars from less efficient healthcare and worse outcomes.